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Chapter 4 • Verse 21
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes another quality of the wise person. 'Nirāśīḥ' (free from desires/expectations) means not craving what one doesn't have. 'Sama-buddhiḥ sarvatra' (equal-minded everywhere) means balanced intelligence in all situations—not elated by success, not dejected by failure. The phrase 'siddhiṁ siddhiṁ prāpya' (having obtained success) shows the person achieves material success naturally, but 'buddhimān' (wise) means they understand these are temporary. The result: 'māṁ prāpya siddhim avāpnoti' (attains Me, attains perfection)—they reach the ultimate goal. This verse shows that peace and material success aren't contradictory—the wise person can have both, but isn't attached to either.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that peace comes from two qualities: freedom from desires ('nirāśīḥ') and equal-mindedness ('sama-buddhiḥ'). When you're free from craving what you don't have, and balanced regardless of what you get, you find peace. In your life, you'll notice this pattern: craving creates suffering—wanting what you don't have makes you unhappy with what you do have. Equal-mindedness creates peace—not being elated by success or dejected by failure keeps you steady. The verse also shows that material success can still come ('siddhiṁ prāpya'), but the wise person isn't attached to it. The question isn't whether you achieve success, but whether success or failure affects your peace. Contentment comes from within, not from what you obtain.
Personal Reflection
Where are you craving what you don't have? How does success or failure affect your peace? What would change if you were equal-minded regardless of outcomes? How can you find contentment without depending on external results?
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